The Southerly 49 design brief was very specific - to build a powerful, sleek and stunning yacht, with blue water cruising capabilities, for continuous long distance sailing, around the world. Shallow draft was an essential feature. The 'easy to handle' sailing characteristics of the Southerly 42RST were necessary, but on a longer water line length for fast ocean passage making.

Rob Humphreys with his long standing pedigree, was commissioned to work alongside our in house naval architects to design the hull, rig, keel and sail plan. With sleek exterior stying, similar to the 46RS, specific deck details have been incorporated, such as a double headsail rig configuration (self tacking jib and overlapping genoa) for cruising in varying wind conditions. A large sail locker at the bow can accommodate an assymmetric gennaker and fenders.

The mainsheet track is set across the coachroof with lines led aft to both helm positions, for easy handling, whilst keeping the cockpit free and uncluttered. The cockpit is secure and enclosed, with deep comfortable seating.For entertaining, a central fold down table can provide dinette facilities for guests whilst also providing a foot brace, when the yacht is heeled. Teak double seats to the pushpit provide further seating areas for socialising. The fold down transom door gives access to a large stowage area, ideal for dinghy stowage.

The Southerly 49 features the highly developed Swing Keel which gives the freedom and versatility to sail in almost any waters. With the keel lowered, the variable draught of 10’3’’ (3.13m) makes for fast, serious blue water cruising. At the ‘touch of a button’ the keel can be raised to give a shallow draught of just 2’10’’ (0.86m) - perfect for sailing in shallow water. A fixed keel option is also available.